"I think it goes to the youths. I think it begins there. You cannot take that many hits as a youth and play on into high school and into college," Donna Dzikowski said.

Dzikowski's son played football for one year, but suffered a traumatic leg injury. She says the injury, in part, made her realize the dangers of football on the young brain.

Mindie Cohen has two sons who play football. She worries when she watches them play, but thinks the game is safe.

"I did extensive research when they were younger, what is the best type of helmet, what absorbs the most from the hit," Cohen said.

Youth football coaches say the number of participants locally is down, but they're steadfast that the game is safer.

"We don't shy away from any kind of costs on getting any kind of quality equipment and we have for many years now," said Eric Faulker, president of the Avonworth Youth Football League.

Faulkner says his league has done more improve concussion-awareness among players, coaches, parents and officials. The league has also strictly enforced weight limits for players.

Fon Nanji is the director of operations for the Woodland Hills Youth Football League. Nanji says concern about repetitive head trauma is evident from parents.

"If parents want their kids to play football, we're not going to turn them away. We know it's a very serious issue, but we want to help facilitate the best environment that we can for the students," Nanji said.

Faulkner says Omalu's idea of eliminating youth football could be dangerous for kids who want to play later on. Faulkner says it's important for kids to learn the fundamentals young, so they can learn how to play the game "right" when they get older.